

Community Creators with Shana Lynn
Shana Lynn Bresnahan
Entrepreneurs and online business owners can no longer grow with great marketing alone. If you want to scale your course, membership, or coaching program, I’ll teach you how to maximize your profit and multiply your impact by creating a thriving online community. Be sure to connect with me on IG: http://instagram.com/shanaspeaksI’ve spent over a decade working with top brands and entrepreneurs to cultivate thriving online communities and empowered community teams that increase their reach, retention, and revenue. This podcast is a space for community creators like you and me to share our insights, best practices, and what’s working now in the community space.You’ll discover proven strategies, actionable tactics, and innovative ideas that you and your team can use to reduce refunds and increase retention. You won’t want to miss an episode! Subscribe now and let’s get started! Show notes & more: https://ShanaLynn.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

6 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 7min
The Psychology of Retention: Why Progress Matters in Your Membership
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Membershttps://www.streamlinedstorysystem.com/ - Unlock the hidden customer success stories in your business so you can get more customers and keep them longer.Watch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedAre your members leaving your program despite loving your content? The real issue isn’t your program—it’s their progress. When members don’t see results, they lose motivation and quit, impacting your retention, revenue, and growth.That’s why Shana developed the psychology-backed Progress Wheel framework. It’s designed to keep your members motivated, help them make steady progress, and ensure they stay engaged for the long haul—all while driving better retention and results.In this guide, Shana will reveal why progress, not just engagement, is the key to membership success and break down the psychology behind every step of the Progress Wheel.Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)What is a Progress Wheel according to Shana? (01:45)Five key steps in the Progress Wheel (01:56)Episode wrap-up (06:44)Additional Resources:The Membership Retention Roadmap: https://www.retainguide.com/Streamlined Story System: https://www.streamlinedstorysystem.com/Watch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedLearn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/FREE 7-minute Community Training: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/trainingFREE Community Creators Hub: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/hubLearn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksCommunity Creators is a podcast for online entrepreneurs looking to learn more about creating thriving communities and empowering their community teams.Be sure to follow the podcast, so you never miss an episode!

Mar 25, 2025 • 5min
Why Growth Requires Slowing Down and Cutting Back with AJ Vaden [Highlight]
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersWatch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedEp 129 - Create a Valuable Personal Brand with AJ Vaden: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/create-a-valuable-personal-brand-with-aj-vadenAre you finding it challenging to scale your business?Shana invites you to tune into an insightful highlight from her interview with personal branding expert AJ Vaden. In this discussion, they explore the counterintuitive idea that when it comes to scaling, stepping back and simplifying our efforts can often lead to greater growth.Don't miss out on this valuable perspective!Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)How can I amplify an existing personal brand message? (00:25)Episode wrap-up (04:04)Additional Resources:https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersWatch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedLearn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/FREE 7-minute Community Training: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/trainingFREE Community Creators Hub: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/hubLearn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksCommunity Creators is a podcast for online entrepreneurs looking to learn more about creating thriving communities and empowering their community teams.Be sure to follow the podcast, so you never miss an episode!

Mar 18, 2025 • 12min
The Most Important Number Every Membership Owner Should Know
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Membershttps://www.memberltv.com/ - Free LTV (Lifetime Value) and Retention/Churn Calculator Watch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedHave you ever poured money into marketing, only to wonder if it’s worth it? Or noticed your membership growing while your bank account tells a different story? Shana is here to introduce the LTV to CAC ratio—the key number every membership owner needs to know. Today, she’ll explain what it is, why it matters, and how to calculate it with simple examples.Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)A membership owner often struggles with two key issues (01:08)What is CAC and LTV and how is it calculated? (02:19)Episode wrap-up (10:02)Intro (00:00)A membership owner often struggles with two critical concerns (01:08)What is the LTV to CAC ratio and how is it calculated? (02:19)How do you define a good ratio? (06:43)Episode wrap-up (11:30)Additional Resources:The Membership Retention Roadmap: https://www.retainguide.com/Get Instant Access to the Membership Retention & Lifetime Value Calculator: https://www.memberltv.com/Watch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedEp 157 - Why Industry Benchmarks Don’t Matter for Your Membership?: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/why-industry-benchmarks-dont-matter-for-your-membership-and-what-to-do-insteadLearn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/FREE 7-minute Community Training: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/trainingFREE Community Creators Hub: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/hubLearn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksCommunity Creators is a podcast for online entrepreneurs looking to learn more about creating thriving communities and empowering their community teams.Be sure to follow the podcast, so you never miss an episode!

Mar 11, 2025 • 7min
How to Run Paid Ads on Pinterest with Meagan Williamson [Highlight]
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersWatch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedFull episode: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/pinterest-marketing-secrets-to-build-your-list-and-grow-your-membership-with-meagan-williamsonSummary:Are you frustrated with the performance of your Meta ads? Have you considered Pinterest as an alternative? In this episode, we share a highlight from our interview with Pinterest expert, Meagan Williamson. Meagan provides valuable insights on how to run effective ads on Pinterest and the key differences compared to Meta advertising. Listen in to learn how Pinterest can help you reach your target audience and achieve your marketing goals.Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)How does someone know when they're ready to run ads and what does that look like according to Meagan? (00:37)Episode wrap-up (06:35)Additional Resources:https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersWatch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedLearn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/FREE 7-minute Community Training: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/trainingFREE Community Creators Hub: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/hubLearn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksCommunity Creators is a podcast for online entrepreneurs looking to learn more about creating thriving communities and empowering their community teams.Be sure to follow the podcast, so you never miss an episode!

Mar 4, 2025 • 8min
Why Gamification Fails and What Membership Owners Should Do Instead
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersWatch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedhttps://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/gamification-the-missing-piece-of-your-business - Ep 65: Gamification: The Missing Piece of Your Businesshttps://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/the-key-to-unlocking-member-progress - Ep 59: The Progress Wheel™| Keeping Up the Momentum Watch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedHave you ever introduced gamification to your membership program, only to find it didn’t deliver the lasting results you hoped for or worse, saw engagement drop off after the initial excitement? The truth is, while gamification can create a short-term boost in participation, if it’s not aligned with what truly motivates your members, it might end up doing more harm than good. In this episode, Shana will unpack the reasons why gamification often falls short in driving long-term engagement and retaining memberships. More importantly, she’ll share actionable strategies to help you tap into your members' deeper motivations, ensuring they stay engaged and keep coming back. Let’s explore how gamification could be holding your membership back—and how to turn things around for lasting success.Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)What is Gamification according to Shana? (00:46) The reason why gamification doesn't work (01:03)How can we help our members make progress if gamification doesn't motivate them? (04:34)Episode wrap-up (07:36)Additional Resources:The Membership Retention Roadmap: https://www.retainguide.com/Watch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedLearn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/FREE 7-minute Community Training: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/trainingFREE Community Creators Hub: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/hubLearn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksCommunity Creators is a podcast for online entrepreneurs looking to learn more about creating thriving communities and empowering their community teams.Be sure to follow the podcast, so you never miss an episode!

Feb 25, 2025 • 8min
Be Impossible to Misunderstand with Steve D. Sims [Highlight]
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersWatch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedFull episode: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/how-to-leverage-culture-mystery-to-get-more-sales-with-steve-d-simsSummary:Being authentic is a key to building a strong personal brand. Shana recently interviewed Steve D. Sims, who shared his insights on how to become 'impossible to misunderstand.' In this highlight episode, you'll discover how to infuse your brand with your unique personality and make a lasting impression.Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)According to Steve, you need to know two things before getting up on stage (02:58)In Steve's opinion, there are three kinds of people (04:19)Episode wrap-up (07:06)Additional Resources:https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More MembersWatch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedLearn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/FREE 7-minute Community Training: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/trainingFREE Community Creators Hub: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/hubLearn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksCommunity Creators is a podcast for online entrepreneurs looking to learn more about creating thriving communities and empowering their community teams.Be sure to follow the podcast, so you never miss an episode!

Feb 18, 2025 • 7min
Why Industry Benchmarks Don’t Matter for Your Membership
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Membershttps://www.memberltv.com/ - Free Retention & LTV CalculatorWatch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedHave you ever wondered if your membership metrics are on par with industry benchmarks? Whether it’s retention rates, community engagement, or content consumption, these comparisons can sometimes do more harm than good. In this video, Shana breaks down why industry benchmarks might not be as helpful as you think, why tracking your own data is essential for sustainable growth, and how to focus on the metrics that truly matter for your membership success. Let’s dive in!Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Three reasons why benchmarks are misleading (01:08)Here's why you should track your own data (03:17)You can shift your focus by following these steps (05:03)Episode wrap-up (06:36)Additional Resources:The Membership Retention Roadmap: https://www.retainguide.com/Get Instant Access to the Membership Retention & Lifetime Value Calculator: https://www.memberltv.com/Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/FREE 7-minute Community Training: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/trainingFREE Community Creators Hub: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/hubLearn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksCommunity Creators is a podcast for online entrepreneurs looking to learn more about creating thriving communities and empowering their community teams.Be sure to follow the podcast, so you never miss an episode!

Feb 11, 2025 • 8min
How to Create Connection Among Event Attendees with Phil Mershon [Highlight]
Full episode: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/designing-unforgettable-live-event-experiences-with-phil-mershonSummary:Feeling connected and known is a crucial element to any successful event, whether it's online or in person. To help you create an unforgettable experience for your attendees, we've pulled out a highlight from Shana's recent interview with Phil Mershon, an expert in event experiences. Phil shares valuable insights on how to foster genuine connections and make your attendees feel truly valued.Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)According to Phil, what other factors help to build connection, community, and culture? (00:29)Episode wrap-up (07:29)Additional Resources:Phil’s website: https://www.philmershon.com/Phil’s FREE article on community building: https://www.philmershon.com/bonusUnforgettable Book: https://www.philmershon.com/unforgettable-book/Phil’s Social Media Account: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phil.mershonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/phil_mershon/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philmershon/X (formerly Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/phil_mershon/Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/FREE 7-minute Community Training: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/trainingFREE Community Creators Hub: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/hubLearn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksCommunity Creators is a podcast for online entrepreneurs looking to learn more about creating thriving communities and empowering their community teams.Be sure to follow the podcast, so you never miss an episode!

Feb 4, 2025 • 16min
How to Scale Intimacy & Personalization in a Membership
https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Membershttps://connectionideas.com/ - Get 77+ Ways to Create More Connection in Your CommunityWatch on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/@communitycultivatedScaling intimacy and personalization in your membership might seem impossible, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Shana will break down the common misconceptions about why scaling feels so out of reach, the three biggest mistakes people make when trying to scale, and a fresh approach that ensures you maintain an incredible, personalized experience your members will love and keep coming back for. Get ready to rethink what’s possible for your membership!Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)According to Shana, there are three things that can go wrong when scaling (04:12)How can we scale while keeping intimacy and personalization? (07:03)The three main areas we'll work on refining or redesigning as we scale (08:30)Episode wrap-up (15:30)Additional Resources:The Membership Retention Roadmap: https://www.retainguide.com/Ways to Create More Connection in Your Community: https://connectionideas.com/Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/FREE 7-minute Community Training: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/trainingFREE Community Creators Hub: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/hubLearn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksCommunity Creators is a podcast for online entrepreneurs looking to learn more about creating thriving communities and empowering their community teams.Be sure to follow the podcast, so you never miss an episode!

Jan 28, 2025 • 6min
The 3 C’s of Hiring Success with Paula Maidens [Highlight]
Full episode: https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/how-to-hire-and-lead-a-high-performing-team-with-paula-maidensSummary:One of the biggest hurdles for growing businesses is building a strong and effective team. Many entrepreneurs struggle with hiring the right people, losing team members due to turnover, or facing difficulties in finding their first employees. To address these challenges, Shana interviewed Paula Maidens, an expert in the field of hiring and team building. In this highlight, Paula shares her three C's for a successful hiring process.Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)When Paula diagnoses a hiring problem, what steps do she take? (00:54)Three 3 C’s of hiring success according to Paula (02:26)Episode wrap-up (05:47)Additional Resources:Paula’s website: https://www.paulamaidens.com/Paula’s social media accounts:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulamaidensconsulting/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulamaidens/Listen & subscribe to the Big Dreams Great Teams™ podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/big-dreams-great-teams/id1592202886 Grab My Top Interview Questions https://paulamaidens.com/top-interview-questions/Know WHO to hire by learning your Leadership Style. Take the Leadership Quiz! https://paulamaidens.com/quiz/5 ways to supercharge your team to get your timeback and live the life of your dream: https://paulamaidens.com/supercharge/The “must have” guide for interviewing like a PRO so you always make epic hiring decisions: https://paulamaidens.com/top-interview-questions/Learn how to work with Shana: https://www.shanalynn.com/FREE 7-minute Community Training: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/trainingFREE Community Creators Hub: https://connect.communitycultivated.com/hubLearn more about Shana’s Community Training Program: https://www.shanalynn.com/cultivateConnect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shanaspeaksCommunity Creators is a podcast for online entrepreneurs looking to learn more about creating thriving communities and empowering their community teams.Be sure to follow the podcast, so you never miss an episode!